Finding a pair of jeans that I want to wear 24/7 is the main goal. Feel free to scroll down to the jean review and links, but if you have the time, I’ll get personal first and explain my style tip. Focus on buying at least 1 classic jean, and make sure it is a pair that fits you well. Keep it classy, no holes. If you really like holes, make sure it’s the second pair. Then, ask yourself, would I wear these to an event with coworkers? If this answer is no, leave them in the shopping cart. If you are doubting me still, perhaps you might be in your early 20’s? Just know, in a couple years, you will just have to spend another few hundred dollars again on jeans, instead of earning compound interest in your investment portfolio, because you “have nothing to wear.” I don’t wish that up anyone. What I do wish though, is that someone would have told me this, because in the world of social media, it truly is easy to get caught up in trends. Secondly, I wish I could say “its not that deep” but buying a new wardrobe year after year only limits your financial opportunities; reducing your ability to save, invest, or take that once in a lifetime trip to wherever you heart desires…not on your credit card. There are opportunity to costs to everything we buy, so taking awareness can put your shopping habits into perspective and lead to more reasonable decisions.
So let’s get honest. On occasion I can still get side tracked by trends, for example, trendy flared pants. However, the reality is my trendy pants won’t get worn that often and are much less practical as a result. I’m probably not going to the grocery store in my star lined Revice jeans no matter how cute they are. In fact, I would go so far as to say, these pants were/are probably marketed and made for individuals whose entire intention is to buy them in order to take a photo in them for Instagram clout. Yes I have fallen into this trap and yes I will still probably wear them once a year since I already bought them. And just to put on record, flared pants are very freaking cool and it can be practical if its your style 24/7. But for myself, I know this style of jeans doesn’t fit my work and personal lifestyle majority of the time, and it makes for a good example.
Now if you’ve read this far along, you can correctly assume I own a few “trendy” pants that haven’t left my closet since I’ve come to the realization that most trends are just a way to keep you spending. Ultimately, these businesses are playing chess, moving money from your account to theirs. Social media has only amplified this, allowing clothing boutique businesses to flourish in the recent decade. Now, I catch myself probably once a month wanting to buy things I don’t even like. I’m constantly bombarded by all types of styles; consequently, it’s very easy to be influenced to make impulsive decisions. As a result, I’m writing these blog posts with the hope that maybe you can avoid the mistakes I’ve made, and spend your hard earned cash with a focus on the basics in order to create one functional, multi-use wardrobe. It will save you money and overtime you’ll be less stressed about what to wear out to dinner next week with the girls because you can just throw on your on favorite jeans that are timeless and appropriate for any event. Add on a basic tee, booties, and you’re ready to go.
If you invest in practical denim now, it will likely last you a few years. As a result, you can stop being influenced by Amber on Instagram who has already told you to buy at least 20 tops in a 3 month span that look like two thongs sewn together. And to be clear, I don’t aim to spread any hate or judgement here, because I’ve certainly had my fair share of wearing things you couldn’t pay me to wear today. Life happens, Coachella happened, who cares; definitely let yourself laugh at all your fashion phases. But if you have the opportunity to make conscious choices, I highly recommend investing in pieces that will last you a few years, and help build a cohesive style fit for you. Not only that, your bank account will thank you.
Linking below my favorite jeans in order of preference, with #1 being my top favorite right now. All in all though, I do really love #3, you can’t go wrong with Levi’s.
- Aritzia Denim: Arlo High Rise Straight 28L
Color: Picture this blue.
Fit: High waisted and snug at the waist. I love the fit, because there’s no extra fabric around my waist, which is difficult to find, with a lot of jeans having that awkward space on the backside. These also fit the thighs great, not too tight.
Length: I’m 5’3 and these hit just above ankle. Flattering for figure, especially for shorter women. These do come in other length options as well! For reference, I am in the 28L.
Size: These run TTS (true to size) or maybe just slightly larger than TTS. For reference, I wear a size 25. I have tried on a 26, which fit the same in the thighs, and a little more room in the waist. My perfect fit is the 25, for a jean that fits snug/ no room in the waist, reducing that awkward space that can appear in some jeans on the backside.
For reference: I’m 5’3 weighing around 116/118 lbs. Measurements, 26 Waist, 36/ 36.5 Hips.
2. Aritzia Denim: Joni High Rise Loose 29L
Color: I recommend Dark and Bleu Stormy, Picture this Blue, or White (shown in order in the above pictures). I love the white to double as a denim dress pant, and a perfect piece for the summer. I personally own the white pair, I just purchased these last month. I haven’t had a chance to wear these yet, but once I do, you can bet I’ll add it to the gram.
Fit: These are great straight leg pants. The fit creates a wide straight leg look, falling straight down from hips, with little to no hug on the thighs. This silhouette reminds me of a wide straight leg business pant, yet lean. In combination with a high waist, the fit is super flattering, both for short or tall woman. I think these are great for both casual and work events; especially the white or dark color options. These have a snug fit to them, which I prefer, especially around the waist area.
Length: Falls near bottom of the heel. I’m 5’3, and I don’t need to get these hemmed.
Size: These run large, so definitely size down 1 from your regular size. If you have a slightly thinner physique, with slimmer thighs/ glutes, maybe even size down 2.
For context: I would buy a 24 in these. For reference, I fit in a 23, but it definitely flattened my backside/ booty. Size 25 was just a little looser than id like on my waist. The 24 fits the best.
3. Levi’s: High Waist Straight Leg Wedgie Fit
(*These are not the icon fit)
Link: https://www.liketoknow.it/ltk/4WneDMBeiDXUT326ygqh5q
The link above will bring you to my like to know it, providing the same jeans available at 3 different retailers. Each retailer offers different color options or size availability.
These have been my staple jean for the past 3 years. To confirm the hype, two of my friends bought these jeans in the past year. They also look phenomenal on the booty! I think Levi’s back pockets are sewn on better than most jeans and create an hourglass effect on the booty.
Color: Since I bought these 3 years ago, I am honestly not 100% if the color is Montgomery Baked or Luxor Lanes (first image). Either way they are both very similar and I recommend either color. Based on a quick click through, the third product linked to free people has a lot of color options and sizes available! If you didn’t read above, I recommend no ripped holes! Frayed ends is still middle ground, & similar to the Ariztia High Rise Arlo, so both seamed ends or cut work!
Fit: Comfortable, and flattering. I love these jeans because of the flattering fit, especially on woman of all sizes, muscular, have a booty, or short. Levi’s do become loose with wear, so if they’re tight in the morning or when you first purchase them, this likely won’t be the case by the end of the night. They also get softer with each wash. These are a staple in my wardrobe, and a go to jean for most events.
Length: Just above the ankle. Looks great with slip on sneakers, flats, or wedges.
Size: These fit TTS. In the 2nd and 3rd picture, I wore a 27 with my weight around 128-134. If I were to purchase today (accounting for some weight loss), I’d opt for a 26 or 25; however, I still like the size 27 for a good boyfriend, casual, loose fit, which is shown in the 4th picture, taken more recently.
I hope you found these reviews helpful! I truly guarantee you won’t regret purchasing one of the above if you can only have 1 pair of jeans and make them work every day of the week.
Balance with Me & Spread the Vibe
–Sara Benjamin
